All-natural skin care and cosmetics

As a global community, we are consistently becoming more aware and knowledgeable about the ingredients we consume, products we use around our home and even steps to reduce our footprint on the environment, so why shouldn’t we take all the steps we can in using natural skin care products and cosmetics?

There’s a movement going on, especially when it comes to eating foods and being more aware of ingredient lists and countless additives that we can’t pronounce. The same can be said for those who are becoming more conscious about choosing all-natural skin care products and cosmetics. Is the hype behind natural products truly important or is it a marketing ploy? It depends who you ask. Leslie Baumann, director of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Miami, suggests looking for certain ingredients in skin care products that treat your specific concerns if you are interested in changing out your cosmetics or skin care routine for more natural options.

Plant extracts, oils and herbs are all useful for any number of skin conditions; for example, Argan oil, which is derived from a Moroccan tree fruit, is rich in vitamin E and helps treat a number of skin conditions such as wrinkles, eczema and dry skin. Other nourishing oils ideal for dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles are derived from olive oil and avocados. Antioxidants found in plants, such as resveratrol and coffee berry, work to protect the skin against free radical damage caused by UV exposure or pollutants.

Don’t want to give your skincare or makeup routine a complete overhaul? You can take small steps in the direction of more natural products. Many aestheticians, dermatologists and specialty stores offer a substantial selection of high-end brands and products that treat a number of skin conditions and provide anti-aging solutions. When you want to head in the direction of all-natural products but want to do it slowly, there are many ways in which you can create a greener beauty routine.

Keep it simple
Countless products on store shelves promise to provide miracle results. Choose high-quality products and keep your routine simple; your skin usually only needs a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and a sunscreen to keep it looking healthy and radiant. In some cases, there is not much difference between eye creams, facial creams and wrinkle creams; they all work in the same manner, so choose a quality product that suits your skin type and needs. One facial moisturizer that is oil free and contains an ample dose of vitamins and antioxidants is the Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer.
Your local dermatologist or aesthetician can likely suggest products and treatments as well. She will know your skin and what it needs to look its best and can respond to your desire for more natural products.

Limit the fragrance
One irritant found in skin care products and cosmetics is fragrance. Artificial fragrance can create an allergic reaction or skin condition for a good number of people, usually because an artificial fragrance can contain dozens of chemicals to create the scent. To limit the possibility of a negative skin reaction, look at labels and choose products that are fragrance free. More brands are turning to fragrance-free options, such as the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, which is now offered in a fragrance-free formula.

Choose organic formulas
Organic products are better for our bodies and environment, as the ingredients are grown without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. For many, it’s important to apply products to the skin that don’t contain any of these additives! In order to see if a product is organic, you can easily look for the USDA organic seal on any given product. Juice Beauty is one skin care and cosmetic line that contains a number of options with the seal, including moisturizer, serums, lip care, hand and body and more.

High-end ingredients don’t always have to be in expensive products, either. Some retailers are constantly adding new cosmetic and skin care lines that coincide with the public’s demand and interest in more natural and organic products for the face and body. When you want to go back to basics, you can’t go wrong with choosing J.R. Watkins products, which still incorporate the all-natural and apothecary extracts long used in natural skin care. In addition to anti-aging lotions, body butters and hydrating oils, there are numerous body products including the Lemon Cream Sugar and Shea Body Scrub. Burt’s Bees also uses simple and effective ingredients to provide the ultimate in hydration and sun protection.

Are you ready to switch out some of your skin care and cosmetics for more natural options? You’re not alone; step into Sephora or Bloomingdales and you will find numerous lines with a wide range of organic and natural products. And your skin will thank you! HLM

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HERLIFE Magazine is a full color publication with the mission of Keeping Women Connected. Each month our magazines are dedicated to the celebration of all that is exceptional in our communities. From the inspirational women we promote to interesting topics such as health, beauty and fashion to what's going on locally in each community, we strive to keep today's women connected to the things they need and want.